When people think about hearing aids, they often focus on the technology inside the device. But one of the smallest components, the dome on the end, can have a surprisingly big impact on how well you hear and how comfortable your hearing aids feel.
If you’ve ever wondered why your audiologist chose a certain style dome, or why they may recommend changing it, here’s what you need to know.
A hearing aid dome is the soft silicone tip that sits inside your ear canal on many receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids. It helps keep the hearing aid comfortably in place while delivering sound into your ear. Not all domes are the same. The two most common styles are open and closed domes, and each serves a different purpose.
An open dome has several small openings or vents that allow natural sound and air to pass through the ear canal. These are recommended for people who have normal or near-normal hearing in the low pitches but hearing loss in the higher pitches. This allows for your own voice to sound more natural and reduce any echo you may experience.
A closed dome has fewer or no openings, creating more of a seal in the ear canal. These are recommended for those who have more hearing loss in the low to high pitches and need that extra occlusion to hold sound in. Closed domes can also benefit those who experience feedback with their hearing aids.
So, which dome is better?
The answer is that neither is better than the other, they’re just designed for different hearing needs. Your audiologist considers several factors before recommending a dome, including:
- Your hearing test results
- The shape and size of your ear canal
- Your hearing aid style/model
- Your lifestyle and listening environments
- Your comfort and sound preferences
Can I change my domes myself?
At Gardner Audiology, we change your domes for you every 6 months, but if you’re someone who needs to change them more frequently (due to wax build-up, etc.) then you are welcome to change out the domes at home, but it is important to make sure you are getting your replacements from your audiologist. We do not recommend switching to a different style as it can affect how you are hearing. Also, it’s important to be careful about what you order online as it may not fit the make/model of your specific hearing aid.
If you’re unhappy with how your hearing aids sound or feel because of the domes, it’s always best to schedule an appointment so your audiologist can determine whether a different dome or another adjustment is the right solution.
Not sure if your domes are the right fit? Contact our office at 800-277-1182 to schedule a hearing aid check appointment or click here to schedule online at one of our 8 convenient locations. Even if you did not get your hearing aids from Gardner Audiology, we can help!
